Due to the post-11pm finish and a farewell drink with the Aussies, they did not arrive back until around 2am and the five were the remnants of a group enjoying one for the road.

Around 4am Conway went into the lobby to take a call on his mobile and was robbed by the gang, who had held up reception staff at knifepoint only to find there was no cash in the tills.

The four made their getaway in a waiting car. Nobody was hurt, although the England physio was left a little shaken.

An England spokesman said: "It was a pretty scary affair. Knives were produced and threats made, but fortunately nobody was badly hurt. It all happened quite quickly from all accounts and it took everyone by surprise."